See more: Algae eater
The Ivory Snail, scientifically known as Pomacea bridgesii (or Pomacea diffusa), is a highly popular, peaceful freshwater aquarium snail famous for its creamy white shell and light-coloured, iridescent body. Belonging to the apple snail family, they serve as excellent members of an aquarium cleanup crew because they constantly scavenge for waste.
Quick Facts
- Maximum Size: 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm) in diameter.
- Lifespan: 1 to 2 years, heavily influenced by water temperature.
- Minimum Tank Size: 3 to 5 gallons per snail.
- Temperament: Completely peaceful and non-aggressive.
Dietary Requirements
Ivory Snails are opportunistic omnivores with a massive appetite. They are safe for live plants, as they generally prefer eating decaying matter rather than healthy vegetation. Their diet should include:
- Natural Scavenging: Soft algae, bio-film, and leftover fish flakes or pellets.
- Supplemental Foods: Algae wafers, sinking shrimp pellets, and crab cuisine.
- Fresh Vegetables: Blanched zucchini, spinach, kale, and shelled peas.
- Calcium Supplements: Vital for shell health. Provide cuttlebone, Wonder Shells, or calcium-rich foods to prevent shell pitting or cracking.
Ideal Water Parameters
Because they require significant minerals to build their shells, they must not be kept in soft, acidic water.
- Water pH: 7.0 to 8.5 (slightly alkaline is preferred).
- Temperature: 68°F to 84°F (20°C to 29°C).
- Water Hardness: Moderately hard to hard water to prevent shell erosion
Unique Behaviors
- Parasnailing: They frequently scale tank walls, trap air inside their shells, and intentionally let go to float down gracefully to the bottom.
- Breathing Siphon: They possess both gills and a lung. You will occasionally see them extend a long, snorkel-like tube (siphon) up to the waterline to breathe air.
- Heavy Waste Producers: While they clean up leftover food, they have an inefficient digestive tract and produce a significant biological load. Good filtration is mandatory.
